Meet 'world's ugliest fish' that's horrifying with 'no muscle' and squishy body

30 November 2023 , 12:25

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The blobfish is known for its funny appearance (Image: Copyright unknown)

This fish has been dubbed the ugliest fish in the world due to its flabby face and bizarre body shape.

The blobfish, also known scientifically as Psychrolutes microporos, sent internet users into hysterics after horrifying headshots were released of it in 2003. Its peculiar appearance has led to it being turned into memes, soft toys and even emojis. Blobfish species can be found in some of the deepest pockets of the ocean from depths of 600m to a staggering 1,200m.

The fish looks different beneath the surface compared to on land (NORFANZ)

It has been reported that the pressure can be 100 times over the amount humans experience. The slimy fish has several features which help it adapt in high-pressure environments such as a small amount of muscle and its soft bones.

Blobfish are also known to eat anything that passes them. Due to their natural buoyancy, the water carries them along so when things like small crustaceans or sea snails get close they turn into dinner.

The deep sea fish, which has been compared to a 1980s dessert when it is brought to the surface, received the undesirable label of the world's ugliest animal following a poll by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. Its appearance changes when it is placed out of water due to decompression which can cause it to expand. This develops into distorted features including a huge nose. On land, its structure makes it look like a washed-up jellyfish.

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Blobfish live in some of the deepest pockets of the sea (NOAA/Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute)

Biologist Simon Watt, who set up the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, previously told the BBC Science Focus: "In the wild, they're not exactly beauty kings or queens but they're not quite so depressed-looking." He further explained how the fish doesn't have a swim bladder. Instead, its body composition helps with the action. "If you think about how oil floats on water, it's a bit like that: having high-fat content means it makes them more buoyant," he said. "Blobfish simply bob along in the water or on the sea bed, staying largely still and using as little energy as possible. It's labour-saving. "Being lazy is a survival strategy, and being fatty to help being lazy is a survival strategy."

Simon previously told The Mirror about the importance of enjoying nature in all of its glory. He said: "I think a lot of nature is ridiculous, and therefore we should enjoy the ridiculous as well. It feels like there's bad news all the time, particularly as a conservationist, we're fighting a losing battle, and sincerity shouldn't be our only weapon."

Monica Charsley